Wirtz is president of the Central Wisconsin Wood Carvers Association, made up of members from across northern and central Wisconsin.

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Wirtz not only travels across the state to enter his carvings in competitions and fairs, but to national and international contests in Nebraska, South Carolina and Iowa.

One of his pieces, which he calls the "Good Shepherd," took a blue ribbon at an international competition in Des Moines.

Wirtz said he based the carving on a picture that was in his grandfather's house years ago.

In the last 10 years he's entered his work in competition at the Central Wisconsin State Fair.

Wirtz said depending on the subject, some of his pieces can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months to complete.

Wirtz, who also teaches wood carving, said practically anyone can learn the skill with some practice.

"It's always a learning experience," Wirtz said.

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Three wood carvings by Greg Wirtz that won blue ribbons are reflected in a fourth - a framed mirror - that also won a blue at the Central Wisconsin State Fair in Marshfield.
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Three wood carvings by Greg Wirtz that won blue ribbons are reflected in a fourth - a framed mirror - that also won a blue at the Central Wisconsin State Fair in Marshfield.(Dan Young/Central Wisconsin Sunday)